Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured opposition political parties in the state that his government will not cage any political party in the state.
He said he would rather provide them with the right climate to operate so that they can engage with the government and offer credible opposition.
Gov. Fubara gave the assurances on Monday when he played host to the leadership of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Rivers State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Barrister Sensei Solsuema Osaro, at Government House in Port Harcourt.
He emphasised that it was the best thing to do, especially because the opposition political parties have acknowledged that elections are over and are resolved to offer the effective support required to advance good governance in the state.
The governor insisted that an egalitarian society would be created so that people would feel free to voice their opinions without intimidation, because, according to him, those criticisms would contribute to the more focused implementation of policies that serve the general good of the state.
“So, we are happy to identify with you. We are assuring you that even when you leave here and criticise me, I don’t have a problem with that; it is meant to spur me to do well. We will continue to give you freedom. We will not cage anyone. We will not revoke your property.
“You can also take my message to your national secretariat; we will continue to stand on the right path. We will support them because we can see that they are also doing what is right. Anytime they need our support, let them feel free to ask for it,” the governor said.
He commended IPAC for identifying with his administration and their pledge to collaborate efforts for the good of the state.
He pointed out that no person who truly loves Rivers State, whether embittered or not, would gladly want to burn down the state to achieve a personal or political agenda.
The governor said whatever political strength anybody claims to have amounted to nothing without the state and its people assuring that his team in government would steadily work, genuinely, to protect the interests of the state.
While thanking the delegation for the vote of confidence passed on him and the investiture in him as their Grand Patron, Governor Fubara urged them to tread the path of peace always in their activities.
He promised to consult with them and include their interests whenever appointments are made, and he promised to donate a utility vehicle to enhance their logistics while committing to support the upcoming programme of the body.
In his address, the Rivers State Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Barrister Sensei Solsuema Osaro, thanked Governor Fubara for the opportunity to meet with them and announced that the IPAC has passed a vote of confidence in the Governor.
He also announced the decision of IPAC to honour the governor as the grand patron and leader of the umbrella body of all political parties in the state.
“IPAC is a roundtable of political parties saddled with the responsibility of enlightenment, advocacy, education, and inspiring courage among political parties and society at large.
“With the elections come and gone, it is practically time for governance and to ensure all derivable dividends of democracy to the people of Rivers State.
“Herein lies the core of our visit today: to forge a collaborative bond with you, His Excellency, to foster partnership for the overall interest of Rivers State.
“We heartily congratulate you on your victory at the Supreme Court judgement, which affirmed your election at the polls. To this end, we in IPAC have passed a vote of confidence in His Excellency and assure you of our collaborative, collective, and individual support to succeed now, in the course of your administration, and after,” he added.
Highlights of the visit were the presentation of a large portrait plaque, a certificate as Grand Patron, an IPAC T-shirt, and a Fez Cap by the IPAC Chairman to Governor Fubara.
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